‘You will remain within this Chamber for the time being, unless accompanied by myself or Master. But you are free to explore the bay.

‘There will be no outside influences of any kind.

‘At all times you will be naked.

‘You will refrain from masturbation.

‘You will come when called and obey immediately, or else risk punishment.

‘You will offer yourself freely as slave.

‘Is that understood?’

Abi sipped her freshly squeezed orange juice, trying to act as if she were having an ordinary breakfast in the company of one she knew well. But it was hard, especially being naked. Her nipples peeped just above the table, and it felt strange with nothing between herself and the chair. ‘Yes, Shadow. I understand. Does that mean no clothes at all, even when I go outside?’

‘As I said, you will remain naked, for the time being. Special clothing will come later. In the meantime you will be taught how to hold yourself, and be in a state of nakedness without shame.’

She nodded, slowly.

‘There are other things you should know. From this moment on you will be on a strict

diet. There will be no food other than that you are given. And there will be exercise daily. You will be set tasks to work on when alone. And you will receive daily instruction on slavehood. The routine we start today will be the pattern for the foreseeable future. Discipline and structure are an important part of training.’

She completed the contents of her plate, accepting another cup of tea, aware she didn’t know when she might eat again.

‘Shadow, can I just say that I have put myself into yours and Master’s care. I have been happy with everything that I have felt and seen. I feel so... special. Thank you.’

Shadow smiled, seeming genuinely touched. He placed his hand briefly on hers. ‘It won’t be easy for you, especially in the beginning. But remember, always we have your best interests at heart. We ask from you that you trust and obey.’

A sigh passed her lips. But before she had time to dwell further on his words, he continued. ‘Let us begin. Follow me.’

She was led through the arch of her Chamber, across a thick piled carpet, and into a large gymnasium at the other end of the corridor.

‘This is the way it will be every morning following breakfast. We will work out together, and for a while you will feel sore and tired as you discover muscles you never knew you had. But as the shape of your body changes you will find moves become easier. You will grow supple, more agile in time.’

For the next two hours she was taken through a comprehensive programme, including cycling, stretches, bar work, lifting, bending, and the treadmill. He was a hard taskmaster, always needing the extra lift, the extra pull, when she felt she had no more to give. Then reluctantly, almost, he offered her a breather.

‘Okay, you may rest for five minutes. You’ve done well for your first day.’

She was so exhausted she had no breath for words. She nodded wearily. But then, a few moments later, they were once more on the move.

They returned to the Chamber, and together stepped under the ample shower while he washed her, massaging gel into tender muscles, kneading her aching back. He made her bend, opening legs wide, washing between them, feeling into her rear hole. It was the strangest of feelings. She’d never investigated this area before. Now here was a stranger, stretching and poking and prodding as if it were the most natural thing in the world. As she straightened he fingered her from the front, holding her firmly to him. He never asked or included her in what he was about to do. He simply got on with it. And yet it was in no way threatening or unpleasant. In fact she was highly aroused and charged with emotion. She didn’t understand her reactions. But he knew. Their eyes met and he moved his hands to wash her hair.

‘Now you wash me in the same manner as I have you.’

He held himself ready, rivulets of water cascading down his body. She filled her hands with gel, and under his watchful eye rubbed and massaged, smoothing into the pliable skin.

‘Hold my penis and rub, gently. Be sure to wash around the foreskin.’

She was afraid. Her hands hesitant, then still. Her eyes were mesmerised by the swelling thickness and length. It protruded in front of him, growing as she watched. It brought back painful memories, reminding that it had been used too often as a weapon against her.

Shadow missed nothing. He could force the issue now, play with her fears, or deal with it later. Oh the bittersweet decision that was his alone to make.

‘Okay, wash my hair and rub me dry. Don’t worry about things you can’t do. They will come in time. We will work on them together.’

She seemed happier. It was settled then - for now.

Stepping from the shower he poured two glasses of refreshing liquid, then from a cupboard he produced a rule and a pair of scales, which he indicated for her to step onto. ‘Stand straight and erect, hands at your sides.’